Northern Pike (Esox lucius)

Northern pike are part of the family Esocidae. This species is found across northern hemisphere and it has what is known as a circumpolar distribution. They are found in North America north of roughly the 40th parallel as well as much of northern Europe and Asia. They prefer relatively shallow, weedy habitat in both rivers and lakes. Northern Pike spawn in spring, immediately after the ice melts (40-52 degrees Fahrenheit). Spawning takes place in shallow bays where water temperatures are the warmest. No nest is built and no parental care is given. As a result, there are a large number of eggs that are laid during spawning (nearly 600,000 has been reported in some instances). Pike spawn during the day where one female is usually accompanied by one to two males.

Growth varies depending on latitude with northern populations growing slower. However, individual pike from northern populations tend to live longer than those pike found further south. Females grow faster than males and attain a larger size at maturity. Southern pike mature at 2-3 for males and 3-4 for females. Northern populations have males maturing at 5 while females mature at age 6. Growth is very fast in young pike and by the end of their first year they can be 6 inches long. Pike can live to 25 years of age although many populations show a maximum age of 15 years. Pike grow to impressive proportions with fish approaching 50 pounds having been caught in North America. European pike are believed to grow even larger and local folk lore from Britain and Scandinavia tells of 100 pounders. Currently however, the world record stands at 55 pounds and this fish was caught in Germany.

Pike feed on a variety of organisms depending on which stage of development they are at. Young of the year will feed on zooplankton and aquatic insects. Small fish enter the diet shortly after pike reach a few inches in length. As pike get larger, they feed on pretty much anything they can get a hold of. Often the only limiting factor for what a pike eats is whether they can fit it in their mouths. The body shape of esocids is quite unique among freshwater fishes in that they are very long, slender fish with the position of most of the fins towards the back of the animal. As a result, pike are able to accelerate quickly and perform short bursts at high speed. This facilitates feeding in that pike are "sit-and-wait" predators. They often hide among the vegetation and quickly dart out and grab their prey. Another interesting aspect of the esocid morphology is the mouth, with rows of large, razor sharp teeth and a mouth position angled upwards. This mouth shape makes pike specialized to feed on prey that is situated above them (including on the surface). As such, some of the favorite prey items are things such as ducklings, muskrats and frogs. However, these prey items are only available seasonally and on the whole the majority of the adult pike's diet consists of various species of fishes.

Northern pike are viewed throughout their range as a formidable sport fish. Their aggressive nature, large size and fighting qualities make them a popular target for anglers. Pike are also excellent eating fish although there is tremendous variation in the quality of the meat depending on where and when they are caught. In the right setting, northerns are a delicacy provided the y-bones have been removed. Many fisheries have suffered decreases in their pike populations attributed to overfishing, pollution and habitat destruction. Since the largest pike are females, trophy pike are also the individuals with the highest fecundity. With the increases in digital photography and replica trophy mounts, it is important for anglers to release the larger specimens, while taking smaller males and immature fish for consumption.